Gay clubs in new york city

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Guests can enjoy signature cocktails served by friendly bartenders while taking in the spirited atmosphere that combines the best of the Wild West with the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene of New York City.

Black-owned gay bar Lambda Lounge is also popular. Boasting two floors of pulsating beats and lively energy, it’s a hotspot for revelers seeking an unforgettable night out.

Enjoy treats like mochi donuts and potato croquettes from their all–vegan snack menu. 

Address: 253 Bushwick Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Opening hours:  Mon–Thu 6pm–2am; Fri–Sun 5pm–2am

23. Industry Bar

What is it?The men behind longstanding Chelsea haunts Barracuda and Elmo Restaurant bring you this high–energy midtown drinkery. 

Why we love it:Unlike cozy Barracuda, Industry is a sprawling, high–ceilinged space, featuring a long concrete bar (manned by hunky, often shirtless bartenders, naturally), a stage hosting drag and music performances and a sizable dance floor.

Time Out tip: Drinks are buy one, get one until 9pm every night.

Address: 355 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019

Opening hours: Daily 6pm–4am

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From dazzling drag shows to electrifying DJ sets, Industry Bar offers an array of entertainment options to suit every taste.

The bar’s spacious layout, stylish decor, and energetic vibe create the perfect backdrop for mingling with friends or making new connections.

The area is indeed for LGBTQ and queer community. Boxers NYC: America’s Gay Sports Bar

2. Weekends get so crowded (midnight to 3am) that there’s often a cover charge. 

Time Out tip: Stuff your pockets before coming here; it’s cash only.

Address: 93 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 10pm–4am

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22. Pink Metal

What is it? If you like your kink with a wink and a drink, think pink.

But the bar itself is also very much worth visiting, for nightly cocktail specials, karaoke and drag performances.

Why we love it: It’s casual but very fun, and karaoke happens every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with a fabulous drag queen host. Pink Metal is a well–kept Bushwick secret that’s one–of–a–kind. 

Why we love it: Drop by for a signature cocktail (or mocktail) and stick around for fetish figure drawing, drag bingo or a burlesque show.

Cubbyhole’s jukebox provides the soundtrack for the evening, offering an eclectic selection of tunes to suit every taste.

Additionally, the bar frequently offers enticing drink specials, ensuring that guests can enjoy their favorite beverages without breaking the bank. Special Guest Pianists, Singing Waitstaff & Bartenders.

THE EIGHT BALL LOUNGE

THURSDAYS

5PM

Danielle Presents

THE EIGHT BALL LOUNGE

Pool Table Games, Drinks Specials & Karaoke

1st floor/no cover

thirst trap

THURSDAYS

10PM

THIRST TRAP

hosted by EGYPT

special guests weekly

2nd flr/no cover

TBOY in the booth

2nd floor/no cover

lala's house party

FRIDAYS 6PM

LALA’S HOUSE PARTY

Drink Specials, Karaoke, Drag Shows!

2nd floor/no cover

FRI NIGHT

FRIDAYS

10PM

The Friday Night Dance Party

DIVA on the Main level

Alternating Dj’s,Pop Up Hosts, Promoters & Performers - upper level

see our special events section for lineup

dirty pop

SATURDAYS

10PM

DIRTY POP

Alternating Dj’s

spinning all your favorites

1st flr/no cover

SAT NIGHT DANCE PRTY

SATURDAYS

10PM

THE KIKI

LOLA MICHELE-KIKI hosts The Saturday Night Dance Party Alternating Dj’s with Pop Up Performances by our favorite Drag Diva & their guests

The Invasion

SUN

NIGHTS

THE INVASION

A WEEKLY DRAG SPECTACULAR with a different QUEEN & their guests each week.

- see our special events section for lineup

DIVA

FRI DEC 26

10PM

EGYPT

Music by Dj David Michael

1st flr/no cover

dirty pop

SAT DEC 27

10PM

DIRTY POP

Dj Chauncey D

Main level/Nocover

the kiki

SAT DEC 27

9PM DOORS

Show time with SABELSCITIES @11PM

Pop up performances/Dance Party

Dj TBoy

trading places

SUN DEC 28

9PM

TRADING PLACES

LOLA MICHELE-KIKI TRADES PLACES with Sabel Scities

for a sunday night kiki..

music by Tboy

the invasion

SUN DEC 28

11PM

MISTY MOUNTAINS INVADES

with Amanda Porq & Lena Horne

Music by TBoy

New Years Eve

WED DEC 31

9PM

NEW YEARS EVE

Two floors/Two Dj’s

Dj’s Chauncey D & RiMix

Pop-Up performnaces by Prada G Major

$10.

unholy communion

FRI JAN 2

10PM

THE BODY-THE BLOOD-THE BASS

UNHOLY COMMUNION

DJ SARE

TRAFFIC LIGHT

FRI JAN 9

10PM

DJ RIMIX

TRAFFIC LIGHT

What color will you be?

provoke

FRI JAN 16

10PM

PROVOKE

Dance and be Danced!

THE FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE PARTY

Dj Ladyboi

2nd flr/$5


Crafted By Br____yn Br____y


Crafted By Br____yn Br____y

New York has played a major role in LGBTQ+ history and it’s no wonder there are a slew of bars that have been beacons for the community (and prime party spots) for decades.

From sleek and stylish settings to intimate and upscale atmospheres, these venues offer discerning patrons an escape into elegance. The lounge hosts a variety of events, from live performances to themed parties, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening for patrons to enjoy.

Today, while societal attitudes have evolved, these venues continue to serve as important symbols of resilience and solidarity for the LGBTQ+ community in New York City and beyond.

Inclusivity and Diversity in NYC Gay Bars

In New York City’s gay bars, inclusivity and diversity are celebrated as core values that foster a sense of belonging for all patrons.

gay clubs in new york city

Known for its eclectic array of bars in the city, the East Village is often hailed as home to some of NYC’s best LGBTQ+ establishments. With its generous happy hour specials and late-night entertainment, including karaoke and themed parties, Barracuda offers an unforgettable experience that keeps visitors coming back for more.

Address: 275 W 22nd St, New York, NY 10011

Phone: (212) 645-8613

4.

Visit in the colder months for PBRs by the fireplace and in warmer weather for backyard BBQs every Sun between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Address: 559 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Daily 3pm–4am

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16. Nowhere

What is it?A friendly, spacious bar with an intimacy–heightening low ceiling, Nowhere attracts Manhattan’s scruffier crowds—and the place is filled with everyone from dykes to bears, thanks to a fun lineup of theme nights. 

Why we love it: There's no official dance floor, but don't be surprised to find yourself bopping along to disco, rock, new wave and whatever else the DJ feels like spinning.

Time Out tip: Happy hour is all day on Sundays! 

Address: 322 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 3pm–4am, Sun 3pm–2am,

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17. 3 Dollar Bill

What is it? Enjoy drinks in the lovely queer owned and operated Americana bar 3 Dollar Bill, which features shows and events like Sun BBQ parties; then head to the fabulous warehouse space in the back of the venue, for thumping dance parties every night guided by sound systems inherited from venues like the Roseland Ballroom. 

Why we love it: Some of the best drag performers and DJs in the city have begun their takeovers here; get in early and join the community. 

Time Out tip: If you like to dress up, visit for weekend themed parties, like a Charlie XCX underwear party. 

Address: 260 Meserole St, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Hours: Daily 5pm–4am

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18. Phoenix

What is it?This local watering hole has been a favorite on the queer East Village circuit ever since it burst onto the scene back in the ’90s.

You will find classic gay bars and queer bars in the in the city with plenty of seating for the best gay nightlife experience.

From drag shows to themed nights, the programming reflects the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ culture, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Patrons flock to Barracuda for its dynamic drag shows featuring talented performers and dazzling costumes, adding to its popularity as a must-visit destination in the city’s gay nightlife scene.

From chic cocktail lounges to lively dance clubs, the bars in Chelsea offer a diverse range of experiences tailored to the LGBTQ+ community with bar space, bar food and cheap happy hour deals every night of the week. This National Historic Landmark continues to serve the community.

HistoricIconicWest Village

Hours: Daily 2pm-4am

Address: 53 Christopher St

Must-Do: Pay respects to history

Visit Website

Julius'

NYC's oldest continuously operating gay bar (since 1864) with classic atmosphere and legendary regulars.

HistoricClassicOldest

Hours: Daily 1pm-4am

Address: 159 W 10th St

Vibe: Neighborhood dive

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Hardware

Hell's Kitchen drag destination in a converted hardware store, featuring nightly performances and award-winning shows.

Drag ShowsDaily ShowsAward-winning

Hours: Daily 4pm-4am

Address: 697 10th Ave

Shows: Multiple daily

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VERS

Chic Hell's Kitchen spot with craft cocktails, trendy atmosphere, and beautiful people-watching opportunities.

CocktailsTrendyStylish

Hours: Daily 5pm-2am

Address: 5 W 48th St

Happy Hour: 5-8pm daily

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Metropolitan

Williamsburg's beloved gay bar with backyard patio, pool table, and friendly neighborhood atmosphere.

BackyardPool TableNeighborhood

Hours: Daily 5pm-4am

Address: 559 Lorimer St

Best: Summer patio parties

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Ginger's Bar

Park Slope's iconic lesbian bar with pool table, outdoor space, and welcoming community atmosphere.

Lesbian BarPoolCommunity

Hours: Daily 4pm-4am

Address: 363 5th Ave, Brooklyn

Vibe: Friendly neighborhood

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Marie's Crisis Café

Legendary West Village piano bar where patrons sing Broadway classics in an intimate basement setting.

Piano BarBroadwaySing-along

Hours: Daily 4pm-4am

Address: 59 Grove St

Cash Only: No cover, tips appreciated

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Lips

Midtown's drag dinner theater featuring fabulous queens serving up entertainment with your meal.

Dinner TheaterDrag QueensFull Shows

Shows: Wed-Sun evenings

Address: 227 E 56th St

Reservations: Required

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Club Cumming

Alan Cumming's East Village venue featuring cabaret, comedy, and eclectic performances in an intimate setting.

CabaretComedyCelebrity

Hours: Show nights vary

Address: 505 E 6th St

Tickets: Check calendar

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Pieces

Hell's Kitchen drag institution with multiple shows nightly and some of NYC's most talented performers.

Multiple ShowsDragNightly

Shows: Every night 9pm-2am

Address: 8 Christopher St

Cover: $10 (2 drink minimum)

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Therapy

Hell's Kitchen's premier drag destination with two floors of entertainment and legendary weekend shows.

Two FloorsWeekend ShowsPopular

Hours: Daily 4pm-4am

Address: 348 W 52nd St

Shows: Weekend evenings

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The Duplex

West Village's historic cabaret venue featuring intimate performances, comedy, and emerging talent showcase.

HistoricCabaretIntimate

Shows: Nightly 7pm & 9:30pm

Address: 61 Christopher St

Reservations: Recommended

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The Penthouse

Elevated cocktail experience in Midtown with panoramic views and sophisticated atmosphere perfect for date nights.

Date NightViewsSophisticated

Hours: Wed-Sat 6pm-2am

Address: 30 W 21st St, 21st Floor

Reservations: Recommended

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Westlight

Brooklyn's premier rooftop experience with 360-degree views of NYC skyline and craft cocktails in Williamsburg.

360° ViewsBrooklynCraft Cocktails

Hours: Daily 5pm-1am

Address: 111 N 12th St, 22nd Floor

Best Time: Sunset

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Elmo

Chelsea's stylish restaurant and lounge known for its beautiful crowd, excellent brunch, and sophisticated evening scene.

RestaurantBrunchStylish

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Address: 156 7th Ave

Brunch: Sat-Sun 11am-4pm

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Gantry Plaza Rooftop

Long Island City's waterfront rooftop with unobstructed Manhattan skyline views and relaxed outdoor atmosphere.

WaterfrontOutdoorQueens

Hours: Seasonal, Apr-Oct

Address: 4-09 47th Rd, LIC

Vibe: Casual, scenic

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The Fleur Room

Luxurious rooftop bar atop the Moxy Chelsea with stunning city views and craft cocktails in an elegant setting.

RooftopLuxuryCity Views

Hours: Thu-Sun 5pm-late

Address: 105 W 28th St, 30th Floor

Dress Code: Upscale

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Atlas Social Club

Stylish Hell's Kitchen lounge with craft cocktails, upscale atmosphere, and a welcoming vibe for the community.

CocktailsUpscaleLounge

Hours: Daily 5pm-2am

Address: 753 9th Ave

Happy Hour: 5-8pm weekdays

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Mood Ring

Bushwick's mystical bar with astrology-themed cocktails, queer-friendly atmosphere, and cosmic dance parties.

AstrologyQueer-FriendlyDance Parties

Hours: Wed-Sun 6pm-4am

Address: 1260 Myrtle Ave

Vibe: Mystical, inclusive

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The Boiler Room

East Village's no-frills gay dive bar with pool table, jukebox, and authentic neighborhood atmosphere.

Dive BarNo FrillsPool Table

Hours: Daily 2pm-4am

Address: 86 E 4th St

Cash Only: ATM on-site

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Nowadays (Underground)

The indoor counterpart to the daytime garden parties, featuring late-night electronic music and underground vibes.

ElectronicUndergroundLate Night

Hours: Fri-Sat 11pm-6am

Address: 56-06 Cooper Ave

Season: Year-round indoor

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Happyfun Hideaway

Bushwick's intimate queer party space hosting underground events, art shows, and community gatherings.

CommunityArt ShowsUnderground

Hours: Event-based

Address: Check social media

Follow: @happyfunhideaway

Follow on Instagram

Bossa Nova Civic Club

Bushwick's legendary underground venue featuring experimental music, performance art, and boundary-pushing events.

ExperimentalPerformanceUnderground

Hours: Event nights only

Address: 1271 Myrtle Ave

Tickets: Check website

Visit Website

Nowadays Loft

Secret warehouse loft parties featuring cutting-edge DJs, intimate dance floors, and underground electronic music.

SecretElectronicIntimate

Hours: Special events

Location: TBA via mailing list

Access: Invitation only

Join Mailing List

Your Guide to NYC Gay Nightlife

Best Times to Go

  • • Happy Hours: 4-8pm weekdays
  • • Peak Hours: 10pm-2am Fri/Sat
  • • Late Night: 2-4am for die-hards
  • • Sunday Funday: Day parties 2-8pm

Budget Planning

  • • Dive Bars: $8-12 drinks
  • • Mid-tier: $12-18 cocktails
  • • Upscale: $18-25+ craft cocktails
  • • Cover Charges: $10-40 depending on venue

Getting Around

  • • Hell's Kitchen: A/C/E to 42nd St
  • • West Village: 1 to Christopher St
  • • Brooklyn: L train to various stops
  • • Late Night: Use rideshare apps

Safety Tips

  • • Stay with friends, especially late night
  • • Watch your drinks and don't leave them unattended
  • • Keep phone charged for rideshare/emergency
  • • Know your limits and pace yourself

Dress Codes

  • • Dive Bars: Come as you are
  • • Dance Clubs: Stylish casual
  • • Rooftops: Smart casual to upscale
  • • Special Events: Check requirements

Etiquette

  • • Tip bartenders and drag performers well
  • • Respect performers during shows
  • • Be inclusive and welcoming to all
  • • Ask before taking photos of others

Don't Miss Out

NYC's nightlife scene is constantly evolving with new parties, special events, and seasonal celebrations.

From cozy neighborhood bars to bustling hotspots, the East Village offers something for everyone, fostering a sense of community and celebration within its colorful streets.

10. You do you.

Time Out tip: Animal is dedicated to being a judgement–free community space: Everyone is welcome as well as they uphold a code of conduct that bans any type of discrimination or harassment—it’s great for a birthday party, and cakes are welcome (as long as you bring the plates and silverware, too). 

Address: 307 Meeker Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 4pm–4am;,  Sat, Sun 4pm–2am

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9. Good Judy

What is it?This trendy Park Slope gay bar is totally where the cool queers hang out and for good reason.

Why we love it:It’s unpretentious yet stylish and offers top–notch drinks, space to chat and plenty of dance floor to groove, a true crowd–pleaser for all.